[Sleep] 10 ways to keep your baby cot safe

How to keep your baby cot safe

Baby Jae is a contented baby who sleeps well in a cot and almost anywhere. This is a vast difference from Vee who had a serious case of I-hate-the-cot syndrome.

These are ways that I keep Jae safe when he sleeps in the cot:

1. Use a safe cot that meets industry standards and stay updated on recalls. (Do you know that more than 11 million cribs and numerous bassinets and play yards have been recalled since 2007? Source: U.S. CPSC Crib Information Center)
2. Use a safe cot mattress that is firm, fits the cot well (with no gaps), and has molded pin holes for better air circulation.
3. Use a fitted bedsheet designed for cot use. Check that it’s fitted well and tucked in properly every day.
4. No soft and plush items such as pillow (including the popular bean pillow), bolster, soft toys, etc. My home-visit nurse suggested introducing these items after baby’s first birthday.
5. If baby needs to be swaddled, use a swaddle that baby can’t undo.
6. Remove all handkerchiefs, clothings and other fabric items after cleaning and changing baby
7. No conventional cot bumper — no matter how many times Jae gets his hands and legs stuck between the rails. Much safer than risking suffocation when he sleeps. An older baby can also use the bumper as steps to climb out of the cot. Instead, use a safer, breathable cot bumper, such as that by Airwrap.
8. Place him on his back to sleep. At 3 months 1 week old, he started rolling over to sleep on his tummy. Initially, I flipped him back regularly. Then our nurse said his neck muscle control and rolling skills are very good, so we could just let him be. Phew!
9. To keep him warm, use a sleep bag instead of blanket. 1. He can’t accidentally slip downwards or wriggle into a well-fitting sleep bag. 2. He can’t kick it off or roll away from it.
10. Lower the cot mattress when he starts pulling up to stand.

So, Jae ends up sleeping in a very bare-looking cot…

Here are the related reviews:

• Airwrap Deluxe: the safer, breathable cot bumper
• Swaddle: Love to Swaddle UP
• Snoozaboo Sleep Bag

Stay safe!

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